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Seattle Center
Categories: Active Life Amusement Parks Active Life Parks Arts & Entertainment Stadiums & Arenas Amusement Parks, Parks, Stadiums & Arenas [Edit]
305 Harrison StSeattle, WA 98109
Neighbourhood: Queen Anne
(206) 684-7200
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
113 reviews for Seattle Center
Review Highlights
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"Not to mention the Space Needle and monorail." In 51 reviews -
"The Pacific Science Center was a lot of fun when I was a..." In 13 reviews -
"A children's museum where I could stay for hours." In 15 reviews
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113 reviews in English
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Review from Angie B.
Updated - 2/1/2012 4 Check-ins Here
So since my first review, I've had a kid, have one on the way & have probably visited Seattle Center 100 times...yes, seriously.
Initially for us, the "attraction" was the Children's Museum. As members for the first few years of kiddos life, we probably went there 2+ times per month. These visits usually included a pre or post-visit to the food court, as well as a possible visit to the Fun Forest (no longer there).
As kiddo has aged (now 5 years old), our activities have changed - most recently we visited to see the holiday trains, went ice-skating & watched a talented ice sculptor do his thing. We also often catch the monorail to Westlake Center now for a bite to eat or a walk around downtown. We also make more frequent visits to the Pacific Science Center now & kiddo has been to the Children's Theater several times on school field trips.
We've let the Children's Museum membership lapse for now (don't even get me started on that place, now that I've been to many others, I am embarrassed to take anyone to the one in Seattle) - but we'll see how the new plans for Seattle Center shape up & if it is still a place our family frequents in the coming years.Listed in: Kid Stuff
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/20/2006
While I admit my exposure to Seattle Center has only been during Bumbershoot or a walk through on my… Read more »
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Review from Kristine H.
Seattle, WA
12/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Seattle Centre was originally built for one of the World's Fairs back in the 60s. Its 70+ acres offers an assortment of things to do, all year round. There's the Space Needle with its 360 view of our fair city and Puget Sound. The Monorail (though kinda pricey for such a short ride) takes you on an elevated ride to downtown. The International Fountain entertains viewers with water patterns that move with the recorded music. The music is changed every month and during warmer months, is thronged with folks playing in the fountain.
This is the home of the Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame, home to Fisher Pavilion, Seattle Center Pavilion and Centre House where the Seattle Shakespeare Company and Book-It Repertory Theatre call home. The Children's Museum is here and The Pacific Science Center with its IMAX Theatres and Laser Dome. You can see a concert at KeyArena, catch some ballet at McCaw Hall, world and classic film at SIFF Cinema, and exciting plays and events at the Seattle Repertory Theatre.
On my last visit, I discovered that there's a Skate Park here nicknamed Sea Sk8 Park. Information on the park states it was completed in 2009 and features a surface area of 10,000 square feet with a multitude of features that would make skaters of all skill levels happy! And wait, there's more! Events happen here all year long like the Northwest Folklife Festival, Winterfest, Bumbershoot, our Pride Festival, Festal events that highlight different world cultures and most recently GeekGirlCon!
Check out their website to see what's happening. Midway through December, you'll find an ice skating rink and Winterfest events. Parking can be premium so be prepared to pay or look into bus routes. Oh yeah, there's a food court tucked away over in Centre House. It's on the smallish side but there's an Orange Julius there and a place that does decent gyros. On your way out, grab a bag of mixed saltwater taffy or homemade fudge if you like. But visit them soon, reports from various local magazines say that the food court will be in line for a major overhaul to make the digs more upscale and less like the food court at the mall. In fact, Skillet Street Food will be one of the first on site to sell their sliders and poutine to hungry patrons. -
Review from Cherrie L.
Mercer Island, WA
5/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
It is a nice place to bring kids there, especially in a sunny afternoon. They can watch performance and eat lunch in the Center house. Or they can play in the outside fountain area.
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Review from Yvonne R.
5/13/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Great park to walk around in. There is always activities going on here. One week there's the St. Patty's Day Dash; the other has Magic Tournaments; or concerts in the park. There's something for everyone in this plaza! I love that the monorail is a easily accessible from downtown (although if you have more than 3 or 4 people, it's going to cost about the same in parking).
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Review from Erik M.
10/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
As a Seattle resident, I think at some point becomes pretty easy to dismiss Seattle Center as a crowded, expensive tourist trap. I know for me it was when Bumbershoot tickets started costing more than $15/day. I'll occasionally drag myself down for the International Beer Festival, or a show at Key Arena, but for the most part I avoid Seattle Center and the traffic/crowds/lack of parking that go with it.
All that aside, the thing is that Seattle Center is actually a pretty nice, family friendly, and yes, expensive, destination. With year-round attractions like the Space Needle, EMP/SFM, IMAX, Children's Museum, and Pacific Science Center situated on the expansive grounds, you can pick a primary destination for the visit, then enjoy the rest of the day playing in the international fountain, taking in a show at the mural amphitheater, or perusing the Center House shops and restaurants.
Then there's Key Arena, the Charlotte Martin Children's Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Intiman Playhouse, and McCaw Hall, making it a destination for the arts. And Key Arena is home of the Seattle Storm and Seattle U basketball teams, as well as host to exhibition events as diverse as tennis and roller derby.
And don't forget the annual festival lineup, including Folk Life, Bumbershoot, Bite of Seattle, Festal, Winterfest, Whirligig, and Seattle PrideFest along with smaller events ranging from Legos to comic books.
When you start listing it all out, it makes it a little easier to look past the one off annoyances and re-appreciate our Seattle Center for the community focal point it really is.Listed in: Family Friendly Seattle
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Review from Mish M.
10/21/2011
Seattle Center is basically your one-stop-shop for Seattle tourism, especially for first-timers - families included. It should be nicknamed "Seattle for Dummies". You've got the children's museum, the Experience Music Project, the Space Needle, the monorail, Key Arena - and that's not even the half of it. There's even a quaint little shop selling all things Seattle so you can proclaim your tourism to your friends and family back home. Most of the attractions will give you a discount if you buy your tickets online, so be sure to check that out.
Sure, it gets busy at times, but its a tourist attraction.
I do think its a bit (ok, a lot) excessive to charge $18 to go up to the top of the Space Needle. I let my mom take me up when I was a kid, but momma didn't raise no fool - I won't pay it again! For $18, I expect more than a super long elevator ride and a nice view. If it weren't for the cost of the Space Needle, I'd give it 5 stars. -
Review from Melody P.
8/11/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I love Seattle Center!
I came here several times for different events from Beer Fest, Torch Light Run, Pirate Parade, to many many... It's a convenient location in Lower Queen Ann on bus lines.
The food court area has free wifi. However, food can get pricey there! But, hey, free wifi and air conditioning, I am a big fan!Listed in: Hot spots for friends
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Review from Jennifer D.
Tucson, AZ
10/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
$18 to ride up to the top of the space needle? Uh NO! So we didn't I mean its not like I am cheap, but just for a view....Ok I have been up to the top when I was like 9 years old, but I wasn't about to do it again.
The MEP was really cool all the different colors of metal and taking photos of shapes made it a fun place to visit and take photos! -
Review from Kim Y.
10/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
While I was here the Seattle Center was home to a Turkish Festival, a heart walk and a 'Co-op-apalooza' - yup a festival about co-ops. Man, I miss the PNW sometimes...what a bunch of goofs!
Seattle Center, home of all the touristy stuff you want to glance upon in the city. The 1960's monorail and Spaceneedle are a cool piece of history, but since I'd been up in the Needle before and the hubs was disappointed by its size (insert size joke here) we saved our $36 bucks for the overpriced coffee it takes to stay alert underneath the constant cloud cover.
The fountain is pretty and its a fun place to people watch! It also serves as a museum mecca if that's your thing! Kind of convenient for the tourists to visit all in one area though!
I did pay $4 to ride the monorail though, it has two stops and is super dorky, but I cant help something so retro and it kept pulling up the Simpson's episode for me. Win.
Overall it's a must for tourists and a seemingly popular community gathering spot for locals. -
Review from John E.
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great place for a picnic by the lake. I wasn't expecting much and was surprised by the park-like setting and community atmosphere. You get the children's museum, the Experience Music Project, monorail, and Space Needle too. It's definitely a must stop if you are a tourist.
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Review from Thanh L.
10/4/2011
It was suprisingly empty when we came here, but walking around the center and watching the International Fountain was pretty cool. I fell trying to take a shortcut and go down the sides of the fountain, which was hilarious. So take this as a warning about how slippery the slope is. "Don't be a fool" (says Mr. T) and use the pathway.
Also, there is a lot of construction going on, so we may have to come back another day when there is less distraction from the construction noise. -
Review from Wendy T.
9/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Reading some of the reviews right now.. I must have gone at the wrong time! I was here (spent most of my morning/afternoon here) on Thursday but everything was closed! We got up and left our hotel around 9 and walked towards the Space Needle.... That seemed to be the only thing that was open!
We had lunch reservations at SkyCity at 11:30 and we thought getting up early and walking around Seattle Center would be a great way to start the morning and get us ready for our lunch. We were disappointed. Things didn't start opening until at least 11AM and by that time.. we'd pretty much walked through most places.. took some touristy photos... and was ready to move on..
We had a great time at the Space Needle / SkyCity though! I would recommended checking to see if there are events/festivals here (and what time) before devoting much of your day/trip here. The landscape and all here was still very nice though. Wish there was more! -
Review from Kari S.
9/9/2011
Seattle Center, it has been ten years in between my visits and you didn't disappoint at all!
The center is a hub of activity. There is usually some sort of festival happening. Great place for people watching. When I lived in the area (years ago) I used to like to bring my daughters to play in the fountain and picnic on the grass.
Fun for locals and tourists alike. :) -
Review from Cheryl R.
4/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Oh how I miss the Fun Forest (and so does my daughter)!
Really, other reviewers are SPOT ON with regard to there needing to be a giant playground for the preschoolers and elementary kids. Seattle Center is supposed to be all about family activities and fun, and yet there is nowhere for them to run around and play their little brains out. Unless you plan to fork over a small fortune to attend one or more of the various museums, events, etc. that are located here, what good will a "glass museum" do for Seattle residents? Sigh. Our misguided city officials strike again.
Parking is plentiful. Rates are actually cheap if you get into the lots before 10am.
There are LOTS of things to do here (Pacific Science Center, the Space Needle, Seattle Children's Theater, the Children's Museum, EMP, Key Arena, etc.), and of course, myriad annual events to attend (Bumbershoot and SIFF being the two largest).
The food court is mediocre at best. The fountain & lush grounds are a lovely place to sit and cool off for our rare sunny/hot days. Gift shops filled to the brim with touristy tschotskes abound. And last, but not least, let's not forget the Seattle Monorail (free for kids under age 4), which is actually kind of fun in all it's kitschy-ness, definitely worth riding on at least once (round trip of course, it only travels about 1 mile to Westlake Center). -
Review from Joshua B.
3/14/2011 4 Check-ins Here
There's tons to do here, but it always feels run down and a little depressing. The Fun Forest is no more. The food choices in the food court are a little out-of-date.
At least it's easy to get from here to the other things you're doing, but overall it feels like a wasted opportunity to have something so "central" to Seattle be a more vital part of the community.
I'm especially disappointed they're going to give over the Fun Forest space to a useless glass art museum. How about putting a kick-a** playground in so families had somewhere to go?Listed in: Good for Kids in Seattle, Downtown Seattle, Born to Shop
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Review from Stephen B.
Seattle, WA
1/24/2012
The Seattle Center offers much. I would have given five stars but there is lots of construction now. Nonetheless, there is still much to do and I love to photograph there. The monorail is a fun and practical ride, the Space Needle give a beautiful view, and there are many venues.
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Review from Frank L.
3/27/2011
Cool park. Two minutes after I walked onto the grounds, I got to see some Seattle PD cycle cops roll up on a bunch for idiots smoking pot. Pee-yoo! That was some stanky weed!
Seriously, though, the Space Needle is...interesting. It's a cool relic from the 1960's--when Americans had high hopes for the future and a vision that mankind would find salvation through technology and space exploration. It's like something out straight out of the Jetson's. There's also a real, working monorail--just in case your desire for futuristic antiques is not sated by the Needle.
The rest of the complex is filled with cool museums, stadiums and other tourist-y attractions. I like the place. -
Review from Akvile H.
6/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Seattle Center is SO much fun!
I went again yesterday and was saddened to see that all of the rides were gone. I hope they come back!
Normally, there are tons of rides, rollercoasters, games, food, and it's a lot of fun, especially in the summer. Located by the Pacific Science Center, EMP, and Space Needle, the location is really great. You can get a Seattle Pass to go a bunch of these things for a very great price if you are looking to get a touristy but awesome Seattle experience.
Seattle Center is great for hanging out in with friends, exploring with family and a great place for kids. It's also a really great place to take pictures, so don't forget a camera! :) -
Review from Ninette C.
Seattle, WA
4/17/2011
As a Seattlite, I don't really come here just to hang out. I don't exactly consider this a park either. The only times I come are really to go to the movies at Pacific Science Center, to go to the Pacific Northwest Ballet and for Folklife, Veggie Fest and Bite of Seattle and those probably all have their own pages for review.
As a park, the Seattle Center is ok. I probably wouldn't take tourists here unless they wanted to go to the Space Needle or science center. It's not really a park park. It has a lot of cement and parking is a beast. The food court is boring and not usually full.
I consider this an event venue more than anything. -
Review from Tami H.
Seattle, WA
12/17/2011
My Boyfriend took my ice skating here last night because he thought it would be all romantic at night with the lights and the cold and all of that. The only thing romantic was his thought. The ice rink was loaded with drunk fools and chunky ice. It was still fun, but not as romantic as we had hoped.
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Review from Sara H.
Seattle Center is a great quick tourist place to visit. You can access it quickly from downtown via the monorail on the top floor at Westlake center. During my last visit I was pleased to see that they were removing the kids ride area and putting in a Chihuly exhibit!! This is great since Chihuly is such a northwest icon and you won't need to scour local office buildings / bellevue / go way down to tacoma to see his stuff anymore!
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Review from Lorrie M.
12/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
Seattle Center is a nice collection of random things, some of which can be probably 2 stars where as others can be 5. I am thinking of this place as a tourist joint so overall I think it deserves 4 stars.
A few things of notable mention here include the Seattle Space Needle, which is always interesting even though I've probably been up there like five times ... but only once when it was sunny! so that was really pretty. Also there is sort of an on-going year-round carnival here where you can find all kinds of yummy treats from the good ol' days like kettle corn.
You will also find the science museum and the music museum here. Both are ok, nothing spectacular but will kill a few hours if you're with tourists or family.
My favorite part of this place is the fountain. I recently discovered it and it was really fun to run through the HUGE crater that is the fountain and try not to get splashed along the way. -
Review from Val Y.
Honolulu, HI
8/16/2010 5 photos
Aloha from Hawaii! Mahalo Seatlites, you got something good going on at the Seattle Center. Yes, we were first time visitors and with the help of my cousin, we totally enjoyed our exciting and interesting experience at the Center. The Seattle Center is keiki (kid) friendly.
Of course we all knew about the Space Needle; but we lost our eight year old's (grandson) attention when he saw the International Fountain, the carnival rides and the Children's Museum from the food court level.
That International Fountain, is just a great interactive sculpture and fountain. The temperature was in the high 80's at mid-afternoon and it just made sense to get down to your shorts and play shuttle from the outside rim of the platform level to the silver shining dome in the middle. Water shooting up, sideways, under and the smoke vapors and mist were bleeding out the underside of the dome. It made for the ultimate fun for kids; teens and adults that want to be kids. We all had a blast and the pictures were great with the keiki's running throught the rainbow mist. Amazing!!
For the next age group, there's the Skateboard Park. To bad we didn't know about this one or we would have brought our boards. Nice!!
The Experience Music Project is just an absolutely fascinating building, both inside and out. So high tech and totally form before function. I think I have 50 pictures of the building from both the inside and out; from all the differenct sides and angles. I even got a top view from the Space Needle!. The curved sheet metal and stainless steel surface, the exposed steel; the music and light inside..well it was just awesome!
Bottom line is that we were all caught us off guard and STOKED with what we experience at the Seattle Center!!! You got something here that we don't have in Hawaii and it was five stars for me. But this was just 4 hours and for us, there is nothing like LIVING in Hawaii. A-L-O-H-A!! -
Review from Theodore O.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 2/20/2011
I'm starting to realize the appeal of this place my second time around. I just recommend avoiding the monorail and paying to go up on the Space Needle. The monorail lasts like 5 minutes and it's like 20$ to go up on the Space Needle. I think it's cheaper to go up on the top of the SeaFirst Building and there are better views of Seattle from places like Volunteer Park Water tower, Kerry Park, and Gas Works Park.
The Seattle Center has some awesome venues for concerts, ballets, movies, laser shows as well as the cool Jimi Experience Museum - go there for entertainment...not to see the touristy things.Listed in: Why do I love Seattle?
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/24/2009
I felt like the Seattle center was a bit off a ripoff. I took the monorail there which cost like 5$… Read more »
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Review from Erica W.
Seattle, WA
This is a pretty cool place, one I actually advise tourists to go to. There are multiple things to see and do if you want. Of course its all insanely overpriced but its a tourist trap. This is the area for all of our events, we have the Bite, Bumbershoot, the ballet, concerts, WWE shows, science center exhibits. You name it, it will probably be around this area. On a nice summer day, the Seattle Center is a really pleasant place to be.
It's also nice if you have kids, between the Science Center and the children's Museum, your little ones will tire themselves out. They did however take out the Fun Forest, it was that area with all the rides. I believe its being replaced with a glass museum? Oh well, i guess they are finally trying to spruce up the area, it desperately needs it. Parking sucks and its expensive, plain and simple, no way around it. It makes sense to carpool if you can. -
Review from Scott M.
Federal Way, WA
11/15/2011 4 Check-ins Here
This is Seattle, besides going to Pike place this is it! Great place to be with the FAM or just walking around! I run around the center nightly and it is always intresting to see the talent that might be playing in diffrent areas of the park!
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Review from Nick P.
1/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Really, mine or anyone else's opinion about this sprawl could not matter in the slightest. This is the defining tourist draw for the city of Seattle and will therefore thrive no matter what anyone says on the internet.
With that perspective in mind, it (taken as a collective entity) serves its purpose. It funnels people to the important sights, feeds them, sells them commemorative wing-dings (5 tee shirts for $10!!), and most importantly separates them from their tourist dollars in a fast, effective manner.
Job well done, tourist trap, job well done. -
Review from Rose B.
Auburn, WA
3/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I LOVE coming here, especially during the summer. This is a good stop for people visiting Washington or for Seattle-folks to go to fun events such as the Bite of Seattle or Bumpershoot.
A few recommendations:
Walk or take transit here. Parking is always a premium during the day. In the evening (if you're catching a show at McCall Hall or elsewhere) you can find parking on the street. That's not a guarantee.
If you have fond memories of the fun forest rides... they're mostly gone now. They have a few kiddie rides, but nothing of interest.
Ride up the Space Needle if you have a few extra bucks. -
Review from Brian C.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 11/26/2008
1 day after posting my original review I shit you not - http://www.king5.com/l...
Simple coincidence??? I think not. Either I'm kind of a big deal...or big brother is watching ;-)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/24/2008
It's truly a shame that this is what's known as our "city center". C'mon Seattle, step your game… Read more »
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Review from Scott K.
12/7/2008
I just spent two days down at the Center and Christmas time is when this space really shines! If you have kids, you absolutely have to take them down! The price is right at FREE, but it's more then that! The people watching is spectacular this time of year!
I have an insider that just gave me the 411 on everything that's going down at the Center, and you're about to be wowed! Everything is changing! Growing, expanding, and moving toward a stronger emphasis on becoming a true cultural and art centerpiece for the city! I can't tell you too much without outing my source, but keep your eyes peeled! When I get back to Seattle New Years 2010 it's going to be a whole new ball game! -
Review from Maria C.
Seattle, WA
9/2/2005 2 photos
I've got to chime in on the International Fountain too, it's simply one of the best places to hang out outside in Seattle, get wet, people watch, listen, be mesmerized by the play of water and kids... It doesn't get as much tourist press as some other places, but it wouldn't be Seattle without it. The rest of the Center is a great place to spend a weekend, because you won't see or do it all in a day, from the Pacific Science Center to the Fun Forest, Center House to McCaw Hall, EMP to the Children's Museum, theaters to the Space Needle... and on and on. Don't overlook little corners and out of the way spaces, there are stunning galleries and displays here that are easy to miss in the bustle.
While Bumbershoot is great, my favorite big event here is the NW Folklife Festival. Dance, music, diversity, poetry readings, movie screenings, international food... it's outstanding and a great way to start the summer. The Seattle Center is a vital part of our city and not to be missed. -
Review from Loree B.
Seattle, WA
7/18/2008
What a great spot for any breed. There's always something to do or going on that will spark an interest. GREAT for kids, whether your broke or have wads of cash.
-Water fountain to play in for those hot summer days
-Amusement Park & arcade building with laser tag
-The Space Needle
-Pacific Science Center
-EMP (Experience Music Project)
-SFM (Science Fiction Museum)
-Bums playing music for change
-Monorail
-Center House with plenty of food & treats
-Key Arena
-Mural Amphiteatre
And all sorts of little things along the way....
You also have seasonal events going on all of the time, such as Folklife Festival, Beerfest, Movies at the Mural.....best is to keep checking their website for all the haps....
Perfect for the tourists or for Seattlites to just hang out for the day.Listed in: Stayin' Alive!
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Review from cheesy s.
Marrero, LA
4/8/2011
Not many attractions at Seattle Center.
Only reason why we came over was to check out the Cherry Blossom Festival at the Fisher Pavillion - lots of neat things to do and to look at but can be done all within an hour or two. The most exciting part was dressing up in a kimono for free! Oh, btw, there was only ONE cherry blossom tree I spotted throughout the whole grounds that was isolated in a back corner somewhere. C'mon!!! I mean, this is the cherry blossom festival, right? I should've drove up to University of Washington to awe at the trees there!
Went to their International District Food Court - there was nothing international about it at all -- mostly American and non-Asian fast foods.
There was the monorail but it's only a mile stretch that brings you downtown for a fare of $2 one way and $4 roundtrip. Comparable to the monorails at big airports but goes a bit slower? Eh.
Literally walked around all over Seattle Center to get the most out of it but was disappointed - everything was run down like other reviewers stated and there wasn't really much to do or enjoy.
I feel really stingy with the stars, maybe it's difficult to win me over. -
Review from Sonya L.
9/18/2009 2 Check-ins Here
The Seattle Center is touristy, but I love it to pieces. I've been so so many events here and I've always had a blast.
The Space Needle is great. Only been up it once, but it's still an impressive sight in the sky even after all this time.
The Pacific Science Center was a lot of fun when I was a kid. Now I like to go to the laser dome to see laser shows!
The fountain is a lot of fun in the summer. I've rarely run through the water, but sitting by the fountain on a sunny day is definitely a great people watching experience.
The Children's Museum was one of my favorite places to go as a child and I kind of wish I could still go there now. Too bad I'm too big for most of the fun stuff!
All the random festivals they have here are great. Bumbershoot is a ripoff, but Folklife is a blast and I love to wander the Center and check out the booths and the music acts.
One of my favorite things to do is visit the Center House during the holidays. They have the holiday model train display and it's a lot of fun. My brother and dad are volunteers and help run the train every year. It's fun to go down with them and (almost) be a part of the magic. From there my mom and I always take the monorail downtown to do Christmas shopping. The monorail is kind of dorky, but I like it. Especially when we make that holiday shopping trek to downtown.
Anyway, I love the Seattle Center. It could use some updates here and there, but...it's a classic! -
Review from Frank E.
8/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
There are always summer festivals here. You can find a corn on the cobb stand and all your other 'event' style food vendors. Overall, a good place. open and spread out. What's not to like. My favorites are Bite of Seattle and Bumbershoot.
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Review from Joolie T.
7/27/2006
If you're going to visit Seattle, live in Seattle, or whatever the heck---in Seattle..... you have to come to the Seattle Center. it's a command. not only is this the staple of city... but c'mon, it's such a great place to be. in the shadows of the Space Needle, this is where all the hot events take place! from the Fun Forest, Jazz Festivals, Water Fountain (where you can walk through on a hot day and get drenched for free.), the crazy but mind-blowing architecture, historical and amazing concerts, Bumbershoot, basketball aftermaths, etc... it's the place to hang out during the spring/summer/fall, it's the heart of Seattle. you can't leave Washington without the experience.
I've been coming here since i was a newborn. the countless pictures and memories i've made here will never be forgotten. i love this place so much. check out EMP, too. the Jimi Hendrix/Rock n Roll museums. they always have fantastic exhibits and something for everyone. come during the weekends- they have their cocktail lounge open for drinks and dancing. hiphop/r&b/top40. just.... go!Listed in: I LEFT MY HEART... in SEATTLE
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Review from Angela C.
8/17/2008 1 Check-in Here
After coming down from the Space Needle, we wandered around the rest of Seattle Center a bit. There was some special Brazilian theme going on so people were in stands selling jewelry & handmade purses, there were people dancing the traditional Brazilian dance, and others scooping out platefuls of Brazilian food.
Everything else was like a fair. They had mini roller coasters, and games where you shoot darts or make things into a basket for prizes. There were also popcorn, cotton candy, and hot dog stands galore. We ventured towards some other attractions here but they all charged an admission fee. A nice place to bring your kids and sit out in the lawn to enjoy the live entertainment, but other than that I didn't find anything that exciting around here.Listed in: Seattle Edition
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Review from Sarah B.
Seattle, WA
11/23/2008
A classic Seattle landmark.
I still remember the first time I strolled around Seattle Center. It was late one night in the Fall and we had just moved to town and were staying just a few blocks away. We walked to the fountain and just enjoyed how peaceful it actually felt. And then we got to see the Seattle Thunderbirds hockey players walking towards their buses and we were set on staying.
I don't come here as often as I would like, usually because of tourists. I tend to get violent and insulting around them. So I wait until the off months and find fun stuff to do when the rains settle in.
I love Winterfest. It's one of my favorite things that the center does. I also am thankful to have the Children's Museum to use on rainy days. And I did love going to hockey games, too bad Seattle can't keep a team.
I've never been here when the fair rides are on and it's never been warm enough to play in the fountain when I visit. And for some reason. I like it that way. -
Review from Michelle G.
Seattle, WA
1/16/2008
I don't really go to the festivals 'cos it makes me sad to see my precious Center get trashed, but I think the Seattle Center really has merit for daily boredom-busting qualities, especially in the summer.
Hands down it is the best place in town to:
Smoke a J and feed the squirrels
Drink a beer while playing cards around a fountain
Eat pot brownies and go see the Nutcracker
Pack a picnic and nap in the sun
People-watch while doing any of the above
I've graduated from college at the Seattle Center, I've got it on at the Seattle Center, I've laughed and cried at the Seattle Center, I've thrown up at the Seattle Center, I've gotten seriously injured in a bike accident (my own dumb fault) at the Seattle Center ... I can't even say all these things about my own home.
Hang out there long enough and you too will have your own laundry list of Center memories.
Kudos to their totally lazy security crew, by the way. Thanks for not hassling me at all for the plethora of illegal-but-harmless activities I've conducted there over the years, guys! I owe ya' one! -
Review from Peter H.
Seattle, WA
8/30/2005
So if you live here, I am going to bet you've been here. Our own "Central Park", this is the gathering place for Seattle during our festivals, basketball games, and tragedies (I'll long remember 9/11 and leaving flowers in the fountain).
There is lots to do, including the Fun Fair, the EMP, Space Needle, etc etc, but hands down, my favorite free activity here is to watch the International Fountain. The water is choreographed to music, and during the summer hear, it is so much fun to watch kids playing in it, and perhaps dare yourself to run in and touch the metal fountain without getting soaked.
Really the heart and soul of this town, I think.Listed in: Places to take Tourists
